Hello friends!
I run a small apparel and accessory design business, Called Royal Pack Company, in the Detroit area in Michigan. I've recently started incorporating leatherwork into the designs and I've really enjoyed adding this to the handwork I already do. I don't find it all that different from hand sewing and very soothing to do in front of the TV in the evenings.
I was very fortunate because my dad inherited my Great-grandfather's harness making workshop from the turn of the century. When he heard I was interested in actually doing leatherwork he passed it all to me. I have the most beautiful (and mostly functional, surprisingly, considering the age..) workshop now. There are no machines but there are a variety of punches and a totally gorgeous Stitching Pony (I hope this is the right term. I see this called so many things.) so I re-purchased anything sharp like awls and needles because there is no need to get tetanus over a few bucks, but I've been using all of the other stuff of his. Here's a few casual pictures I took on a whim the other day while making a tiny cell phone case for my husband (I hope these work - I've never tried to put pictures on a message board before...):